I heard Ketheron crying out, Remnant too, and Lazriel cursing fiercely.
But they did me the decency of not interfering.
Not now.
I was too close.
Just a little bit more, then that weave would be contained in the unbreakable sphere I’d forged.
And then I crashed into Sylas’ chamber, slapping my palm down beside his arm on the hard surface.
My left was still live with my power.
Curses,I’d almost been forced to snuff it out.
My hand shook, my magic starting to sputter out.
No. Come on. Come on. Just a little—
My wrist was snatched, jarring me significantly.
And then a dizzying rush of warmth surged through me.
It poured out of me in the form of my black tendrils surging almost violently. They drove the rest of the midnight-blue power into the sphere in a sudden burst.
Done. It was… done?
That warmth remained, but the grip left me.
I stumbled, but managed to turn.
And there Sylas was, droopy eyes slightly open, a slight smile on his face. “Got… you, friend,” he croaked tiredly.
I looked to see a red ring around my wrist, glowing and pulsing.
A groan escaped me as the dizziness subsided quickly, then I was jolting as the blood trickling from my nose and eyes was… drawn back inward.
My magical wound also faded, my own skin and veins remaining, returning to my normal state.
Had he… he’d death-tethered me.
In a way.
I hadn’t touched the Valley, yet I’d clearly been right on the verge.
I sank against the chamber, the red ring around my wrist dematerializing.
Sylas sighed wearily, his hands dropping heavily down at his sides, eyes growing heavy.
There was a glint there in them, though, as he looked out at me.
He was too tired, and in need of much rest, to be able to voice another word, but he mouthed“thank you”to me.
In the next moment, Lazriel burst forward and was all over him, frantic relief spilling from him. Remnant winked at me as he joined his son.
And then strong arms were wrapping around me, making me smile as I looked to see Ketheron hauling me up against him.
He was currently too overcome to speak, and buried his face in my shoulder instead as he held me to him.
